Automatic Transmission Cooling
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Automatic Transmission Cooling
I have a 2005 F-250 6.0 PS that I purchased new. I now have 73,000 miles on it and I am getting ready to pull our 30 ft fiver on a 7000 mile trip starting the end of this month. On past trips through mountains towing our fiver I notice that my trannie temp gets pretty high. I have it gaged, along with the fuel pressure and Exhaust gas temp. I also have an edge that I use to monitor the water and oil temps.
I would like to get my trannie temps more under control. What would be the best way to do this. Should I put on a bigger trannie radiator or bigger transmission pan to hold more fluid? What is the thinking here?
I would like to get my trannie temps more under control. What would be the best way to do this. Should I put on a bigger trannie radiator or bigger transmission pan to hold more fluid? What is the thinking here?
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 7
From: Francestown, NH
Good info in this thread ... with the temps in the #3 post ....
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7383838
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...ml#post7383838
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,739
Likes: 2,669
From: SE Florida
What do you consider high temperature? Anything under 220°F is normal.
You won't find a larger trans cooler than the one on your truck. A larger pan will hold more fluid, but it won't cool the trans. It will take longer to warm up the additional fluid, but it also will take longer to cool it off once it's hot. So what have you gained? In my opinion the only think you gain with a larger pan is a lighter wallet.
You won't find a larger trans cooler than the one on your truck. A larger pan will hold more fluid, but it won't cool the trans. It will take longer to warm up the additional fluid, but it also will take longer to cool it off once it's hot. So what have you gained? In my opinion the only think you gain with a larger pan is a lighter wallet.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 26
From: Middle Tn.
I agree with all the above comments. Post your temps. I pull a 31' 5er up the eastern Sierras every year. 12 miles of 6% grade on one stretch with ambients in the high 90's. My trannies never gotten out of the 180's. I have had to pull her down to 3rd gear in tow haul to cool the motor down. Lets the gearing do the work instead of the motor.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Last summer we came eastbound through West Virginia on hway 50. It was hot summer day with the oat right at 98°. We hit the interstate and went north on I-79 and hit I-68 headed to Sands Springs Campground. We started a long haul up a 5 to 6 percent grade that went on and on. My trannie temp went up to 220 and beyond. I was geared down and pulling up the grade at 35 to 40mph. I would have to back off every once in while as my exhaust temps were getting up in the 1400° range. That pull lasted a good 45 minutes. It was all very trying.
Last edited by Ford Runner; May 2, 2012 at 05:02 PM. Reason: add information
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 26
From: Middle Tn.
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 8,241
Likes: 155
From: L.A. (Lower Alabama)
Ford Runner,
Imagine doing that with no aftermarket gauges! Just ******* your truck with no idea of what was going on under the hood. Much less stress but coulda broke your truck.
Imagine doing that with no aftermarket gauges! Just ******* your truck with no idea of what was going on under the hood. Much less stress but coulda broke your truck.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
04 F350 106k towing 14.5# 5th 80% of the time. I have never been over 180F transmission on the ScanGage . I have been up the 6% 12 miles out of Bullhead City AZ and the Grapevine in CA. I will not let the boost go over 20#. So I get down to 35 on some hills. The fan comes on any time the ECT gets to 218F and will run up to 2900 max.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,739
Likes: 2,669
From: SE Florida
I'm VERY familiar with that grade. Ford does cooling tests up that grade. I've spend days just running up and down that grade. It averages 8%, not 6%. In order to run a valid test the temperature in Bullhead City has to be at least 95°F. That's rarely a problem.
The last time I tested there I had an F550 with a fifth wheel. The combination was loaded to 30,000 pounds. I had my right foot planted on the floor the whole way up, never getting over 40 MPH. The trans never went over 200°F.
To the original poster, I recommend checking the radiator, intercooler, and everything up front for blockage. You may have debris clogging one or more coolers, keeping enough air from getting through. Your trans shouldn't get over 220°F.
The last time I tested there I had an F550 with a fifth wheel. The combination was loaded to 30,000 pounds. I had my right foot planted on the floor the whole way up, never getting over 40 MPH. The trans never went over 200°F.
To the original poster, I recommend checking the radiator, intercooler, and everything up front for blockage. You may have debris clogging one or more coolers, keeping enough air from getting through. Your trans shouldn't get over 220°F.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 0
From: Mattawa Washington.
As Mark already stated,, One of the biggest blockages we find on our vehicles is between the different cores..You need to be able to seperate them enough to at least see between them..Blowing or washing from the front of the vehicle only moves debris to pack between the cores...Install a screen in front of your radiator to catch all the bugs...(regular door and window screen works well)..Just a thought to consider....
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
I'm VERY familiar with that grade. Ford does cooling tests up that grade. I've spend days just running up and down that grade. It averages 8%, not 6%. In order to run a valid test the temperature in Bullhead City has to be at least 95°F. That's rarely a problem.
The last time I tested there I had an F550 with a fifth wheel. The combination was loaded to 30,000 pounds. I had my right foot planted on the floor the whole way up, never getting over 40 MPH. The trans never went over 200°F.
To the original poster, I recommend checking the radiator, intercooler, and everything up front for blockage. You may have debris clogging one or more coolers, keeping enough air from getting through. Your trans shouldn't get over 220°F.
The last time I tested there I had an F550 with a fifth wheel. The combination was loaded to 30,000 pounds. I had my right foot planted on the floor the whole way up, never getting over 40 MPH. The trans never went over 200°F.
To the original poster, I recommend checking the radiator, intercooler, and everything up front for blockage. You may have debris clogging one or more coolers, keeping enough air from getting through. Your trans shouldn't get over 220°F.
What gear would you be in & what RPM would you be spining at?
I have spiked over 220 several times but that is at the end of a very long hot climb with about 10,000 in tow.
My RPM is around 2,600-2,800 at 40-45mph; should I pull it manualy into 3rd & spin at 3,000-3,200???
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,739
Likes: 2,669
From: SE Florida
I left it in OD and kept my right foot firmly on the floor the whole way to the top. It was in third gear at 37 MPH with the converter unlocked. I think that was around 3000 RPM, but it has been several years, so I could be wrong on the RPM.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
I think I'll back off the throttle & go with 3rd and the 3000rpm/ 35mph range as I seem to be generating a bit to much heat for the trani in those extremes.
On regular brutal hills pulling the 10,000lbs it's great it's just those extreme never enders (25+ minutes) that build up the heat.
Thanks for the help!!!